Barnstorming SKOB break Lions with final term blitz

SKOB continue to maintain their unbeaten status in Premier Section with a come from behind victory over Collegians today at TH King. It was looking dire for the home team at the final change, but a barnstorming finish saw them run away with the game and jump to a 4-0 start to 2022.

Collegians burst away early and had the first goal on the board within a minute, but SKOB started to get the game played on their terms as the first quarter wore on, and thanks to some crafty forward work from Jack Darmody who booted two goals, they held a slender lead at the first change. Darmody would bob up again early in the second for another goal and after Sam Cameron converted a set shot shortly afterwards, SKOB looked well in control. From that point on however, Collegians were able to wrestle back the momentum and started to turn the game their way. Their forwards began converting a few opportunities and they nudged ahead just before the main break.

A similar pattern followed in the third quarter as SKOB kicked a couple but the Lions had the better of the play and again were getting value for their forward entries, finishing the quarter with the last 3 goals and turning for home with a handy 13 point buffer. It seemed that the visitors would be taking 4 points home with them as they had all the momentum at 3/4 time.

Whatever was said at the huddle must have worked as SKOB fired up from the get-go and piled on 6 goals to nothing in the final quarter to run out 21 point winners. A comfortable margin, but it was anything but for most of the day as the visitors took it right up to the home team. It was a high quality and physical affair, worthy of a top of the table clash.

Jack Darmody with 4 goals was a star for SKOB today and fellow youngster Luke Winter also showed that he has experience beyond his years with another stand out performance. Josh Tynan played his best game for SKOB to date whilst Cam Hodges was dominant through the midfield. The win keeps SKOB at the top of the ladder with a 4-0 record. A great start to the season under Coach Lynch, but having played three games at home already, there will be plenty of tough tests to come.

The main game was preceded by lunch in the rooms with special guest, Brendan Goddard

In the Reserves, SKOB had trouble shaking a persistent Collegians team who stayed with them for most of the day until the home team pulled away late. SKOB had the better of the first term but Collegians fought back in the second and gave the home side plenty to think about, but with Max Dahlstrom, Chris Gleeson and brothers Ned and Sam Crowe all playing well, SKOB were able to find the answers and notch a 42 point victory.

The thirds were overwhelmed by a bigger and more experienced Old Xavs outfit who managed the slippery early conditions just a bit better on TH King. SKOB never gave up and finished with a couple of last quarter goals, but they were outclassed today. Sam Doyle gave everything as always and was a solid contributor, as was Angus McQuie who battled hard in the ruck.

Our Under 19 Premier Team made it back to back wins for Coach Coops by beating Uni Blues away in a close encounter, whilst our Div 2 Under 19s also had another win, this time over Collegians at Harry Trott. Jack Romanin booted 3 and was instrumental in the win as was Nick Jackson who was solid all day. Our U19 Div 4’s went down to St Bede’s at Mentone, despite the best efforts of Luke Augerinos who booted 4 goals and was one of the better players for SKOB with James Cooper and William Keely also contributing plenty.

Over at Righetti, the Saints Blue and Gold were too strong for Old Xavs. The Golden Saints had it all their way against the WOX. Chloe Brown was dominant all over the ground and also bobbed up for a couple of snags. Abi Bloom and Bree Doyle were tremendous once again and continue their rich form of late. Fox and Boyd both kicked multiple goals for the winners. Our roving photographer reported that the Blues were well up late in the game and showing Xavs a clean pair of heels. The Saints Blue have been kicking cricket scores of late and once again on the back of a big bag from Pattison who booted 7 more as she closes in on a career ton for the Saints. Wallace also grabbed a handful, but they were really the beneficiaries of some great work up the field by the likes of Katherine Viti and Jessica Mounas. Brigette Snell returned from a break to celebrate her 50th game in the Saints colours. Proud parents were amongst the healthy crowd down at SKOB’s spiritual second home of Righetti.

The Saints Green were again short on numbers for the second week and it showed against a fleet footed West Brunswick who were too slick for SKOB. The Saints fought it out but the fast starting Brunnies had too big a lead having jumped the Saints in the first term.

On Sunday, our Mighty Masters opened their 2022 account with a win against Marcellin at Marcellin College. Early reports from our man on the ground say that el Preisdente Mount was showing the same iron fist he displays at Committee meetings, with some great spoils and keeping the Eagles forwards in check.